Education and Training

There are no specific educational requirements for being a theatrical press agent, but an interest in the theater is essential. You can start now by going to the theater and participating in productions as a member of the stage crew, lighting team, or publicity department. Read the paper before the show opens to see what kind of publicity it gets, and read it afterward to see if the reviews are good.

Many theatrical press agents belong to the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, a trade union. To become eligible to join, an agent must apprentice for two years and take an exam. Members of the association get union-negotiated wages and follow certain work rules.